1. Assemble the group / occupants that are impacting usage (anyone who affects consumption). Share the knowledge / data collected in Steps 1 & 2. Each person discusses how they can contribute to saving grid-based electricity. Capture / update these action items in the (group) Entity / E-Profile where kWh date was calculated. Use text field and add a date as the header / title.

2. At this point - NO new equipment is to be installed. These are the "freebies" that just require common sense. A list of basic practices are noted below to stimulate conversation. Copy / Paste / Use as an initial check list to get started.

3. Set reasonable targets (kWh% reduction) based on the level of commitment from the group, time of year, climate, special events such as vacations, trips, etc.

4. Periodically (weekly / monthly / quarterly / seasonally) discuss progress and new data. Adjust actions. Rationalize results. Set new targets. Update Entity / E-Profiles (date sequence new to old text). Celebrate success both within your group, and externally! Spread the word! If you can do it, so can neighbors. These efforts benefit everyone, everywhere.

REMEMBER: Tracking expenses is important to most of us but the focus in this program is unit of measure (kWh / time period). Cost is based on rates which change, often on an annual basis.

Lowering Kilowatt Hours is the true usage and the target is always to reduce grid-based electrical consumption especially when coal is the original source of energy. If you are lucky enough to have hydro-based power, it is still important to reduce usage as population and the need for (local) power increases.
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Home is one of the most important places in our lives. A place to recharge the batteries and prepare to deal with the next days' challenges. Sustainable living concepts improve the quality of this experience.

If there is more than one occupant, there is usually more than one opinion on finite energy conservation. To some it matters, to others it does not. It is a question of awareness, knowledge and understanding of the complex world we live in today, such as, where does our power really come from and how is it generated?

Conversely, sole occupants may have a difficult time seeing the forest for the trees. That is why we recommend working with others to discuss alternatives and people-network with friends using our online private ECom 1-1 communications. A problem shared is a problem solved.

This proven simple process makes change more fun, effective, and with increased results. It takes minimal effort to start and generates immediate dollar savings, improves the quality of our daily lives, and helps each of us to be a part of the solution, and make a real difference in the grand scheme of things in our world today.

Remember: "Teamwork" is very effective and increases the quality and quantity of results. Start a small online network via IntraGroups. The more participants the better.

Before reducing finite energy consumption must remind ourselves of current / past usage (Step 2). This helps us to make future projections. This is a journey, not a one-time event. ENJOY! - It is worth the effort!
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There are simple "free" steps to saving money / and more importantly, energy

COOLING & HEATING (7):

Thermostats at 78º F - summer and 68º F - winter to realize a 3% to 5% kilowatt decrease
Ensure furniture, curtains and rugs don’t block the flow of air from vents and air registers
Maintain heating and cooling unit efficiency by changing / cleaning filters monthly
Clean dust from supply and return air grilles and heating outlets
Make sure the caulk and weather-stripping around your windows and doors is in good shape
Seal around wiring / plumbing penetrations. Caulk small holes. Use expanding foam for gaps
Ensure ductwork is properly sealed

Note: 78 / 68 are general guidelines. With adequate inside humidity in the winter (turnoff in summer) some of us feel comfortable at 64 with appropriate clothing. We know of a few hardy souls in Virginia who are happy at under 60 degree settings in winter! In summer it is quite easy to get used to 80 (less clothing of course). Be European - convert to centigrade.

In the summer (5):

Keep curtains and shades closed especially on the south east and west sides of homes
Avoid using appliances that give off heat during the hottest times of the day (10am-6pm)
Use ceiling / portable floor fans which makes the air feel up to 6 degrees cooler
Keep plants and brush at least three feet away from outside units
Dressing to be cool allows the thermostat to be set a few degrees higher - swimsuits allowed!

In the winter (3):

Open curtains and shades to let the sun warm your home naturally
If you have a fireplace, make sure the damper is closed when the fireplace is not in use
Dress warmly indoors as this allows thermostat to be set a few degrees lower

HOT WATER (4):

Turn down the water heater thermostat. 120ºF is adequate for most homes
Take shorter / cooler (especially in summer - adjust over time) showers
Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators and reduce water consumption by up to 50%.
Install a water-heater timer and set to heat water 4 to 5 hours a day results in energy savings

REFRIGERATOR / FREEZER (6):

Ensure they are full and that the seals are in good condition (doors shut tight)
Open and close doors quickly - decide what you want before opening
Avoid putting refrigerators or freezers in unconditioned spaces like garages
Keep refrigerator temperature between 37º and 40º - Check with thermometer – adjust thermostat
Keep food away from the interior walls so cold air can circulate faster
Keep your refrigerator condenser coils clean. Clean them every six months (spring / fall)

WASHER (3) AND DRYER (9):

Wash clothes in warm or cold water and rinse them in cold water for most washes
Use hot water cycle less often with modern detergents - read labels on new brands
Wash a full load at a time - but do not overload
Adding dry towel at the start of each cycle reduces drying cycle time by up to 50%
Hanging items outside to dry makes clothes last longer, eliminates need for summer dryer cycles
Wait until you have a full dryer load
Separate drying loads into heavy / lightweight items
Dry clothes in consecutive loads as heat is retained in-between
Clean the lint filter thoroughly after each load
Check the vent periodically to make certain there are no clogs
Do not dry clothes completely, hang inside to air
Take clothes out when slightly damp to reduce need for ironing
BOTH - Do NOT use during local peak electrical utility periods (varies by season / load)

DISHWASHER (3):

Turn off / avoid the drying cycle if you do not need to dry dishes immediately
Wait until your dishwasher is full before using it
Do NOT always use - rinse “clean” items and let dry naturally - reduces frequency of use

LIGHTING (4):

Using smaller lamps over work areas such as desktops avoids need to light whole room
Turn off lights when you do not need them
Use motion sensors where practical
Use CFL light bulbs - Note: Many do NOT work with dimmer switches and burn out prematurely

This combination of lights gives the appearance of occupants being home even if they are not. Motion sensors cause a light to go on which may discourage potential intruders. Solar powered lights can be mounted on exterior walls or posts to increase illumination. They are inexpensive and use NO grid-based electricity. They are lit during the evening and may fade out during the night when most of us are asleep.

Dead giveaway that residents are away from home? Exterior lights on during the day!

As we started this E-Profile and Process, so it ends. Sustainable living and finite energy consumption require use of our brains, with a little bit of light (pun - dry English humor)labor!

HAVE FUN!
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D) SOAP-BOX

Coal-fired power plants generate 40% of Americas' annual CO2 emissions. Do you know where and how your electricity supply is generated? "Clean coal" is unproven and if it works will be very expensive and the costs will be passed on to the consumers in increased rates. Each power plant location will probably have local unique requirements for CO2 disposal, if not, solid CO2 transportation to disposal sites uses more energy.

Did you know that from when the coal is originally removed from the ground, through power generation, grid transmission, sub-stations and use by each of us, there is a 75% loss of energy? Not a number that utility companies agree with, or share with the public.

If the current concepts of power generation are updated and replaced, 3 out of 4 power plants could be closed within 5 years!

Nuclear powered plants also have disposal and safety issues. In addition, when they were designed, some designers and engineers forgot about adequate water supply for cooling purposes. In France many reactors were closed down during summer droughts a few years ago. Nuclear reactors are designed for perpetual operation so other than the loss of power when everyone needs it, safety issues increase when shutdowns and restarts occur.

SHARE THOUGHTS AND IDEAS VIA NEW ENTITIES - YOU CAN HAVE MORE THAN ONE for different SUBJECT MATTER, points of view, etc.